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February, 2010

NEWS BULLETIN
Friday, February 26, 2010

Coast Guard rescues crew
from sinking barge BAR FLY

SEATTLE — The Coast Guard assisted the crew of the dredge BAR FLY taking on water on the Quillayute River near La Push, Wash., Monday. Coast Guard Station Quillayute River, Wash., responded to a report of a dredge hung up on its anchor and taking on water with three people aboard at approximately 8:50 p.m.. A 47-foot rescue boat crew and a 25-foot rescue boat crew launched to assist. At approximately 9:30 p.m. the 25-boat crew took all three people off of the dredge and transported them to Station Quillayute River. No injuries were reported at the time the crew was removed from the dredge. The 47-foot boat crew was able to assist the dredge out of the channel. At approximately 8 a.m Tuesday, the barge was reported to have overturned and sunk in approximately 10 feet of water. A boat crew from Station Quillayute River has placed containment boom around the submerged barge.


Rail freight traffic count
makes gains during week

WASHINGTON, DC — The Association of American Railroads reportS that freight traffic continues to show some improvement compared with 2009, though down sharply compared with the same week in 2008. For the week ending Jan. 30, 2010, U.S. railroads originated 278,438 carloads, up 7.0 percent compared with the same week in 2009, but down 12.7 percent from 2008. In order to offer a complete picture of the progress in rail traffic, AAR now reports 2010 weekly rail traffic with comparison weeks in both 2009 and 2008. Intermodal traffic totaled 203,952 trailers and containers, up 7.5 percent from a year ago, but down 9.7 percent compared with 2008. Compared with the same week in 2009, container volume increased 11.2 percent and trailer volume fell 9.3 percent. Compared with the same week in 2008, container volume decreased 2.2 percent and trailer volume dropped 36.5 percent.


Shipping lines to test
bubble lubrication scheme

TOKYO — NYK and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. are to begin experiments on an air-lubrication system to reduce CO2 emissions during marine transport. Jointly developed by the two companies, the system effectively reduces the frictional resistance between a vessel’s bottom and the seawater by means of bubbles generated by supplying air to the vessel’s bottom. The world's first permanent installation of the system using an air-blower is expected to reduce CO2 emissions by approximately 10 percent. The experiments will be conducted using module carriers operated by an NYK Group company, NYK-Hinode Line, Ltd. Construction of the vessels will be completed on March 31 and in late November 2010. — The American Trucking Associations’ advance seasonally adjusted (SA) For-Hire Truck Tonnage Index jumped 3.1 percent in January, following a revised 1.3 percent increase in December 2009. The latest gain boosted the SA index from 107 (2000=100) in December to 110.4 in January, its highest level since September 2008. The not seasonally adjusted index, which represents the change in tonnage actually hauled by the fleets before any seasonal adjustment, equaled 99.5 in January, down 3.3 percent from the previous month. ATA recently revised the seasonally adjusted index back five years as part of its annual revision. Compared with January 2009, SA tonnage surged 5.7 percent, which was the best year-over-year reading since January 2005 and the second consecutive increase. For all of 2009, the tonnage index was down 8.7 percent (slightly larger than the previously reported 8.3 percent drop), which was the largest annual decrease since a 12.3 percent plunge in 1982.


NASSCO makes delivery
of latest T-AKE vessel

SAN DIEGO — General Dynamics NASSCO, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics, has delivered USNS MATTHEW PERRY (T-AKE 9) to the U.S. Navy. The ship is named in honor of Commodore Matthew C. Perry (1794-1858), the U.S. Navy officer who established American trade with Japan in the mid-19th century. NASSCO began construction of USNS MATTHEW PERRY in April 2008. The 689-foot-long supply ship will serve under the Navy's Military Sealift Command. The ship is capable of delivering almost 10,000 tons of dry cargo and petroleum products at one time to U.S. Navy and allied ships underway at sea. Including the MATTHEW PERRY, NASSCO has delivered nine T-AKEs, which are also known as Lewis and Clark-class ships.


Merchant Marine Academy
looking for new superintendent

WASHINGTON, DC — The Maritime Administration is searching for a new superintendent for the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, New York. The Superintendent is responsible for the development of scholastic standards which encourage the intellectual, professional growth and physical well-being of midshipmen, and effective and economical operation of the Academy's facilities. The person who fills this job will have a profound impact on the Academy's ability to educate and train individuals to be highly qualified licensed merchant marine officers inspired to sail on vessels of the United States. More information on this important post, and instructions for applying, may be found AT: http://jobview.usajobs.gov/GetJob.aspx


NEWS BULLETIN
Thursday, February 25, 2010

Mitsui vessels rescue
64 training ship survivors

TOKYO — Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. has announced that its woodchip carriers HOKUETSU DELIGHT and CRYSTAL PIONEER searched for survivors of a training ship 550 km southeast of Rio de Janeiro in the South Atlantic, and rescued all 64 who had been aboard, including high school and university students from Canada and one student from Japan. The 57-meter sailing ship CONCORDIA reportedly capsized in strong winds about 8 p.m. on February 17 (early on February 18, Japan time). The following day, the CRYSTAL PIONEER, under way from Amsterdam to San Lorenzo, Argentina, immediately rushed to the site of the incident upon request of Brazilian authorities. Around the same time, the HOKUETSU DELIGHT was steaming from Singapore toward Paranagua, Brazil, when it heard rescue-related radio messages from the Brazilian authorities. It headed to the area of the shipwreck and before dawn on February 19 (the afternoon on February 19, Japan time), spotted distress signal lights and three lifeboats with shipwreck survivors on board. The CRYSTAL PIONEER reached the scene later and found another lifeboat and more survivors. Remaining in close contact throughout the incident, the vessels confirmed that all 64 people who had been on board the Concordia were safe. The HOKUETSU DELIGHT rescued 44 people, and then CRYSTAL PIONEER rescued 20.


West Coast ports call for
continued emissions act funding

SEATTLE — Leaders of the six major West Coast ports have sent a letter to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, asking for continued funding for the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA). The Ports of Long Beach, Los Angeles, Oakland, Portland, Seattle, and Tacoma have long supported DERA as an effective, efficient funding program to reduce harmful diesel emissions in and around port facilities. The ports were able to leverage DERA funding in last year’s stimulus package, partnering with local public and private agencies to implement cleaner technologies that reduce emissions. Through DERA, ports and their partners were able to invest in engine retrofits, anti-idling technologies, and vessel shore power infrastructure – initiatives that benefit communities and protect the family-wage jobs ports generate.


Truck tonnage index
rises during January

ARLINGTON, VA — The American Trucking Associations’ advance seasonally adjusted (SA) For-Hire Truck Tonnage Index jumped 3.1 percent in January, following a revised 1.3 percent increase in December 2009. The latest gain boosted the SA index from 107 (2000=100) in December to 110.4 in January, its highest level since September 2008. The not seasonally adjusted index, which represents the change in tonnage actually hauled by the fleets before any seasonal adjustment, equaled 99.5 in January, down 3.3 percent from the previous month. ATA recently revised the seasonally adjusted index back five years as part of its annual revision. Compared with January 2009, SA tonnage surged 5.7 percent, which was the best year-over-year reading since January 2005 and the second consecutive increase. For all of 2009, the tonnage index was down 8.7 percent (slightly larger than the previously reported 8.3 percent drop), which was the largest annual decrease since a 12.3 percent plunge in 1982.


WTSA member carriers
eye additional rate increase

OAKLAND — Container shipping lines in the Westbound Transpacific Stabilization Agreement (WTSA) are recommending a further general rate increase (GRI) on ocean cargo moving from the U.S. to Asia. The move is part of an ongoing effort to restore rate levels after a sharp drop in the second half of 2009. U.S.-Asia freight rates are currently at the same levels as in early 2008. Effective April 1, 2010, WTSA carriers say they intend to raise dry cargo rates by US$300 per 40-foot container (FEU) and $240 per 20-foot container (TEU). Lines have additionally proposed that refrigerated cargo rates increase on April 1 by US$300 per FEU and $240 per TEU for U.S. West Coast cargo, and by $500 per FEU and $400 per TEU for all other cargo, including minilandbridge, inland intermodal and all-water shipments from the U.S. East and Gulf Coasts.


Panama Canal Authority
earns award for transparency

PANAMA CITY — For the second year in a row, the Panamanian Public Institutions Integrity Index ranked the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) as the most transparent public institution in Panama for 2009. Out of 31 participating organizations, the ACP obtained the highest score, 266 out of 281 points. The ACP was also recognized as the firm with the best ethics and management program for 2009. The Index, promoted by the Foundation for Citizenship Freedom Development with the sponsorship of the United Nations Democracy Fund, determines institutions’ levels of quality, transparency and citizen participation. The Foundation serves as the Panamanian chapter of Transparency International.


NEWS BULLETIN
Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Port of Vancouver USA
Oks first T-5 industrial tennant

VANCOUVER, USA — Port of Vancouver commissioners have unanimously authorized a ground lease with Keyera Energy, allowing the company to relocate its Vancouver Terminal to the port’s new Terminal 5. The agreement makes Keyera the first industrial tenant at the port’s new Terminal 5 – formerly the site of Alcoa and Evergreen Aluminum. Keyera receives and distributes propane in the Vancouver area. Keyera’s need to relocate its Vancouver Terminal became necessary with the planning for the construction of the Washington Department of Transportation’s (WSDOT) Vancouver Bypass rail project. Keyera’s current location is just north of Mill Plain Boulevard along the east side of the Vancouver Rail Yard. The leasehold Keyera will occupy is a four acre parcel located north of the port’s Terminal 5 rail loop – now under construction. Propane will arrive to the terminal via rail, and will be distributed from the facility by truck. No pipeline will be involved in the Keyera operations. Port commissioners approved a 20-year lease, which will commence on March 1, 2010, and includes an option to extend for 10 years. The port will earn nearly $34 million from the lease over the initial 20-year term.


Port of Tacoma balks at
EPA penalty on Kaiser project

TACOMA — The Port of Tacoma intends to dispute a penalty the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency wants to impose over paperwork related to cleanup of the former Kaiser Aluminum & Chemical Corporation smelter site. The dispute focuses on a half-acre former waste-handling area cleaned up by Kaiser in 2002 before the Port purchased the Tacoma Tideflats property. Federal hazardous waste laws require private property owners to file financial assurance letters each year to demonstrate they have the means to complete their cleanup and monitoring responsibilities. In Washington, the state Department of Ecology administers this federal mandate. Since 2003, the port reports it has worked cooperatively with Ecology to meet financial assurance requirements at the former Kaiser site, estimated to cost about $300,000 for cleanup-related monitoring during the next 20 to 30 years. Prompted by an audit of Ecology’s program, the EPA began to pursue the port in 2008 for a settlement over missed paperwork deadlines. The port worked with the EPA for more than a year to find a reasonable way to settle this matter, including an offer to put the money the port likely would spend on legal fees into an environmental project that provides obvious public benefit. The two parties could not reach agreement, and last month the port notified the EPA of its decision to decline EPA’s $232,000 settlement offer.


Governor Gregoire to present
Washington trader awards

SEATTLE — At a reception on March 16, 2010, Washington Governor Chris Gregoire will recognize the winners of the 2010 Governor's Trader and Emerging Trader of the Year Awards and discuss the importance of Washington’s international trade activities. These awards, to a firm or individual that has demonstrated outstanding achievements in international trade, are presented annually by the World Trade Club. This year’s awards reception is hosted in partnership with the Washington State Department of Commerce, and will be held at the Columbia Tower Club in downtown Seattle. For more information or to register, visit http://www.worldtradeclub.net/traderawards2010.aspx


Corps seeking comments
for Willamette dredging work

PORTLAND — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is seeking comments on a draft environmental assessment for proposed dredging in a portion of the lower Willamette River federal navigation channel at Post Office Bar, from river mile 2.1 to 2.4. The Corps is proposing to remove about 75,000 cubic yards of sediment in order to restore the channel to the 40 foot authorized depth. The dredged material will be placed in the West Hayden Island upland disposal site, since the area is part of the Portland Harbor Superfund site. This proposed dredging activity is being coordinated with State and Federal resource agencies and the Environmental Protection Agency. A draft Environmental Assessment addressing the impacts associated with the activity is available for public review and comment on the Corps’ website https://www.nwp.usace.army.mil/pm/e/en_plan_assess.asp. For questions or comments on the draft EA or to request a copy, call Carolyn Schneider at 503-808-4770 or e-mail Carolyn.B.Schneider@usace.army.mil. Comments also can be submitted by mailing them to: District Engineer, Portland District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Attn: Carolyn Schneider, CENWP-PM-E, P.O. Box 2946, Portland, OR, 97208-2946. Comments must be postmarked by Mar. 24, 2010, and should reference Public Notice Number CENWP-PM-E-10-04.


ACP selects contractor
for vehicular crossing project

PANAMA CITY — The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) determined the “best value” proposal for the analysis of a permanent vehicular crossing on the Atlantic side of the Panama Canal last Thursday. Group URS-COWI garnered the highest points for its combined technical and price scores. The new vehicular crossing will allow uninterrupted ground transportation to cross the Panama Canal on the Atlantic side via a bridge or tunnel. The ACP Contracting Officer will now examine and validate the “best value” price proposal and will also verify the contractor’s qualifications pursuant to the established ACP contracting regulations prior to awarding the contract. Once the contract is awarded and the order to proceed is issued, URS-COWI will have 240 days to submit its final plans and determine if the crossing should be a bridge or a tunnel.


NEWS BULLETIN
Monday, February 22, 2010

Port of Port Angeles nets
air services grant funds

PORT ANGELES — The Port of Port Angeles has been selected as one of the 19 communities amongst 18 states to receive grant money under the Small Community Air Service Development Program. The $360,000 grant will be put toward marketing programs to promote the port’s only commercial air service, Kenmore Air, out of William R. Fairchild Airport. The port was amongst 13 other communities to receive non-essential air service (EAS) grant money. In collaboration with the City of Port Angeles, City of Sequim and Clallam County, the port made application for this grant money in an effort to preserve the air service Kenmore provides from William R. Fairchild Airport to Boeing Field in Seattle. In addition to the $360,000 grant, the port also secured $40,000 in cash from the above public partners. An additional $60,000 of in-kind services was received from the Sequim-Dungeness Valley, Port Angeles and Forks Chambers of Commerce, Kenmore Air Express, the Clallam County Economic Development Council and the Olympic Peninsula Visitors bringing the total to $460,000 in resources for Kenmore.


FMC Oks new rules
to benefit NVOCCs

WASHINGTON, DC — The Federal Maritime Commission has voted to initiate a rulemaking that would relieve Non-Vessel-Operating Common Carriers (NVOCCs) from the costs and burdens of publishing in tariffs the rates they charge for cargo shipments. In a 3 to 1 vote, the Commission decided to grant this exemption from publishing rate tariffs to licensed NVOCCs. NVOCCs are common carriers that act as intermediaries between their shipper customers and steamship lines. According to comments filed with the commission, this action could save many of these businesses up to $200,000 per year.


FMC move allows TSA lines
to discuss pollution reduction plans

OAKLAND — The U.S. Federal Maritime Commission, after a 45-day review, has allowed container lines in the Transpacific Stabilization Agreement (TSA) to discuss and coordinate strategies that will reduce air and water pollution, as well as vessel fuel consumption. TSA, since its inception in 1989, has provided Asia-U.S. shipping lines with authority to meet and exchange limited market information in order to adopt common industry standards and practices, represent the industry before government bodies, and establish non-binding guidelines that help stabilize otherwise volatile rate levels and shipping practices. A vital first step that TSA lines believe can yield immediate, significant results through information-sharing on carrier “slow-steaming” strategies. Under slow-steaming, carriers reduce the speeds of a string of vessels,with each vessel burning significantly less fuel and producing lower emissions. Industry studies have shown that a reduction in vessel speed from 24 to 18 knots per hour reduces consumption of marine bunker fuel by 60 percent; reduces consumption of heavy marine diesel oil used in onboard operations from 190 to 177 tons per sailing; and cuts vessel CO2emissions by more than 350 tons per day on a sailing lasting from two to four weeks or
more, depending on route.


Freight TSI holds steady
during month of December

WASHINGTON, DC — The Freight Transportation Services Index (TSI) was unchanged in December from its November level, after one monthly increase, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) reports. BTS, a part of the Research and Innovative Technology Administration, reported that though the Freight TSI declined 4.1 percent during 2009 the index increased 2.9 percent over the last seven months of the year, beginning in June. The Freight TSI measures the month-to-month changes in freight shipments in ton-miles, which are then combined into one index. The index measures the output of the for-hire freight transportation industry and consists of data from for-hire trucking, rail, inland waterways, pipelines and air freight. The December Freight TSI of 96.2 is a 2.9 percent increase from the recent low of 93.5 reached in May. In May, the index was at its lowest level since June 1997. The Freight TSI is down 14.8 percent from its historic peak of 112.9 reached in May 2006. With the 4.1 percent decline in 2009 following an 8.7 percent decline in 2008, the Freight TSI has declined 12.4 percent in two years.


Port of Seattle celebrates
trade history with China

SEATTLE — As China marks the Lunar New Year and the beginning of the Year of the Tiger, the Port of Seattle marks the 30th anniversary of several trade milestones with the port’s number one trade partner. In 1980, several initiatives began that have benefited the state for decades. In 1980, Boeing established an office in Beijing, COSCO sent its first delegation to the Port of Seattle, several others in the local academic and business community exchanged delegations, and four managers from the Port of Shanghai interned at the Port of Seattle, taking their knowledge back with them to build China’s first container terminals. In 2009, the US Secretary of Commerce Gary Locke was on hand to dedicate the port’s newest facility at Terminal 30 – the new home of China Shipping. Then, trade with China represented a small fraction of the volume of goods coming into the US overall. Today, China is the port’s number one trade partner, and in the last decade Washington state’s trade with China has more than tripled, increasing from $13 billion in 2000 to $40 billion in 2008.


NEWS BULLETIN
Friday, February 19, 2010

Ports back governors' letter
in support of new Columbia bridge

PORTLAND — The Ports of Vancouver, USA and Portland have announced their support of the Washington and Oregon governors’ letter stating the Columbia River Crossing Project move forward without delay. The letter is in response to requests for further review of the project from City of Vancouver Mayor Tim Leavitt, Clark County Commissioner Steve Stuart, City of Portland Mayor Sam Adams and Metro Council President, David Bragdon. The ports of Vancouver and Portland have participated in a decade-long effort to construct a new I-5 crossing, representing freight and goods movement interests on the project. The Interstate Bridge is a significant bottleneck on the West Coast, affecting freight flow in the region, and from Canada to Mexico. The ports support efforts by the governors to form an expert review panel to provide assistance in assessing the project to address technical issues raised by Mr. Leavitt, Mr. Adams, Mr. Stuart and Mr. Bragdon.


Port of Tacoma advancing
Clean Truck Program

TACOMA — A study presented to Port of Tacoma Commissioners shows that 90 percent of the heavy-duty trucks serving terminals meet the Port of Tacoma’s 2010 clean truck standards. That’s four percent more trucks than a year ago. The Port of Tacoma Clean Truck Program’s 2010 standards, aimed at reducing port-related diesel particulate emissions, require trucks to have 1994 model year engines or newer. Clean air goals were adopted in early 2008 as part of the ground-breaking Northwest Ports Clean Air Strategy, a partnership among the Port of Tacoma, Port of Seattle and Port Metro Vancouver, B.C. The strategy outlines jointly established short- and long-term clean air goals for ships, cargo-handling equipment, rail, trucks and harbor craft.


Senator Murray nets funding
for Port of Seattle project

SEATTLE — Thanks to the leadership of Senator Patty Murray, a crucial Seattle transportation project will receive a $30 million infusion of federal funds. Port of
Seattle Commissioner Gael Tarleton joined Governor Chris Gregoire and other dignitaries in thanking Senator Murray for her leadership in procuring the TIGER grant for the Mercer Corridor. The corridor provides vital access to the port’s Terminal 91 and Fishermen’s Terminal facilities as well as for freight and cruise ship-related traffic. Tens of thousands of jobs across the state depend on the port’s ability to move goods and people efficiently, sending Washington apples and potatoes to family tables across the world.


US rail freight traffic
drops again during week

WASHINGTON, DC — The Association of American Railroads reports that freight traffic remains down in comparison with 2009 and 2008. For the week ending Jan. 16, 2010, U.S. railroads originated 264,030 carloads, down .8 percent compared with the same week in 2009 and down 18.5 percent from the same week in 2008. In order to offer a complete picture of the progress in rail traffic, AAR will now be reporting 2010 weekly rail traffic with year-over-year comparisons for both 2009 and 2008. In the Western U.S., carloads were down .8 percent compared with the same week last year, and 13.8 percent compared with 2008. In the East, carloads were down .9 percent compared with 2009, and down 25 percent compared with the same week in 2008. Intermodal traffic totaled 201,728 trailers and containers, up 1.3 percent from a year ago, but down 12.6 percent from 2008. Compared with the same week in 2009, container volume increased 3.6 percent and trailer volume fell 9.2 percent. Compared with the same week in 2008, container volume fell 7 percent and trailer volume dropped 33.7 percent. Twelve of the 19 carload freight commodity groups were up in comparison with the same week last year, 8 of those posting double digit increases. Increases in commodity groups ranged from .3 percent for coke to 83.2 percent for motor vehicles and equipment. Declines in commodity groups ranged from 14.5 percent for coal to 1.3 percent for the catch-all category labeled "all other carloads." Total volume on U.S. railroads for the week ending Jan. 16, 2009 was estimated at 28.7 billion ton-miles, comparable with the same week last year and down 15.6 percent from 2007.


Port of Everett to reopen
10th Street Boat Launch

EVERETT — The Port of Everett has completed critical maintenance dredging at its 10th Street Boat Launch, the state’s largest public boat launch facility. The launch will reopen for public use today. It is estimated that KC Equipment of Seattle, the port’s contractor for the project, removed between 20,000 to 25,000 cubic yards of sediment from the boat launch. The port’s Capital Improvement Plan funded this $600,000 project, which will greatly enhance the functionality and safety of the facility. The port is working with its partners on cost-sharing for the project. The dredging project, which took 20 days, resulted in the closure of the port’s Boat Launch facility during this time period. The port’s dredging project coincided with the Corps of Engineers (Corps) maintenance dredging of the Snohomish River Lower Settling Basin in the Snohomish River Federal Navigation Channel, which also concluded its dredging project on Feb. 15.


NEWS BULLETIN
Thursday, February 18, 2010

Greenbrier Management Services
processing RailAmerica railcars

LAKE OSWEGO, OR — Greenbrier Management Services, LLC (GMS), an full-service provider of railcar management services and a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Greenbrier Companies, has announced it has begun to provide railcar management services to RailAmerica, Inc. Services provided by GMS include car hire payable, car hire receivable and car repair payable processing. GMS commenced processing car hire payables on rail equipment that is interchanged onto RailAmerica's network of 39 regional and shortline rail properties in late 2009. Also in late 2009, GMS commenced processing car hire receivables generated by RailAmerica's fleet of railcars. Car hire is rent paid to the equipment owner, based on time and/or miles traveled. To date, implementation of payables and receivables processing has been completed for three of RailAmerica's five regions. Final implementation is expected to be completed early in 2010 ahead of promised delivery schedule.


Rep. Oberstar to speak
at AAPA Spring Conference

ALEXANDRIA, VA — U.S. Rep. James Oberstar (D-Minn.), chairman of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the leading expert on transportation policy in Congress, will share his views about authorizing new surface transportation legislation when he takes the stage at the American Association of Port Authorities' (AAPA) "Washington People Lunch" on March 23. The 18-term legislator who introduced the six-year, $500 billion Surface Transportation Authorization Act of 2009 - A Blueprint for Investment and Reform, is the longest serving member of Congress in Minnesota's history and a key proponent of investing in America's transportation infrastructure. The "Washington People Lunch" program is part of AAPA's annual Spring Conference, which takes place March 22-23 in Washington, D.C.'s historic Willard InterContinental Hotel. The conference typically attracts 200-300 seaport industry leaders, legislators, government officials and their staff members. For more information go to: http://www.aapa-ports.org/home.cfm


Northrop Grumman nets
contract with Iraqi Navy

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA — Northrop Grumman Corporation has been awarded a contract to supply the navigation and communication systems for nine new 35-meter patrol boats being built for the Iraqi navy. The $19 million firm, fixed-price contract was awarded to Northrop Grumman’s Sperry Marine business unit by Swiftships Shipbuilders, LLC of Morgan City, La. Work on the contract will be performed by Northrop Grumman’s Ocean Springs, Miss., facility. Under the contract, each of the vessels will be fitted with an integrated bridge system (IBS) based on Sperry Marine’s new-generation VisionMaster FT™ navigation technology. The IBS will include navigation radars and electronic chart display and information systems running on TotalWatch™ multi-function workstations. The package will also include Northrop Grumman’s Integrated Tactical Data Link, tactical communications, interior communications, and other navigation subsystems and sensors. The contract will also include engineering and technical support for installation, commissioning, testing and training.


Schnitzer Board Oks
common share dividend

PORTLAND — The Board of Directors of Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. has declared a cash dividend of $0.017 per common share, payable on November 30, 2009, to shareholders of record on November 16, 2009. Schnitzer has paid a dividend every quarter since going public in November 1993. Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. is one of the largest manufacturers and exporters of recycled ferrous metal products in the United States with 42 operating facilities located in 13 states and Puerto Rico, including seven export facilities located on both the East and West Coasts and in Hawaii and Puerto Rico. The company's vertically integrated operating platform also includes its auto parts and steel manufacturing businesses. The company's auto parts business sells used auto parts through its 43 self-service facilities located in 14 states and in western Canada. With an annual production capacity of nearly 800,000 tons, the Company's steel manufacturing business produces finished steel products, including rebar, wire rod and other specialty products. The company commenced its 104th year of operations in fiscal 2010.


Swantown Marina part of
visiting boater rewards program

OLYMPIA — Swantown Marina is among the local marinas who with the Northwest Marine Trade Association (NMTA) are introducing a new rewards program for visiting boaters. Between March 1 and December 31, 2010, boaters who visit any of the participating marinas and pay for a minimum of one night guest moorage will receive a stamp in a Passport to Puget Sound book. As stamps are acquired, they lead to prizes. Boaters who have completed a row of four marina stamps in their Passport will receive a Passport to Puget Sound T-shirt. The first 15 boaters to receive stamps from all 15 marinas will receive one of 15 grand prize packages valued up to $500. Prize packages include hotel accommodations, restaurant gift certificates, event tickets, boat services and more. Boaters visiting Swantown Marina also will receive a goody bag that includes a walking map, information and promotions provided by the Olympia Downtown Association, local restaurants, shops and the Port of Olympia. Passport to Puget Sound books are available at Swantown Marina in Olympia (360) 528-8049; Qwest Field Event Center (see NMTA at www.seattleboatshow.com), and all participating marinas.


NEWS BULLETIN
Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Corps' debris vessel
laid up for repair work

SEATTLE — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Seattle District has announced that its Motor/Vessel PUGET is now at the Lake Union Drydock Co., on Lake Union for engine replacement and shipyard work. The work will involve not only dry-docking, but removing the existing air diesel engines and transmissions. At the same time, the hull will be cleaned, inspected and re-painted. New engines will help to better meet emission standards and be more efficient. The M/V PUGET is expected to undergo maintenance until approximately mid-May. In the mean time, other Corps' vessels, as well as a contracted vessel – SEAHORSE – will respond to debris reports in the waters of the Puget Sound. The M/V Puget works an average of 11 months a year, picking up an average of 14 tons of navigation hazards per day. Removal of this debris in the Puget Sound benefits one of the largest ferry operations in the United States; Navy, Coast Guard, Commerce ships; and more than 300,000 recreational crafts a year. This work was funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment act. The contract to the Lake Union Drydock Co. for $504,491 was awarded on Nov. 4, 2009. Debris reporting will remain the same – 206-399-0358 or 206-498-8795.


Crowley taps Bollinger
to construct pair of new tugs

JACKSONVILLE, FL — Crowley has signed a contract with Bollinger Shipyards to build two newly designed ocean going tugboats, with options for additional vessels. These 10,880-horsepower tugs are the beginning of a new-build program at Crowley to further enhance its ocean towing, salvage and offshore support capabilities. The new tugs will be suited to work with Crowley's new 455 series heavy lift deck barges, which measure 400 feet by 105 feet and offer increased stability for loads up to 4,200 pounds per square foot. Additionally, the tugs will be outfitted for, and capable of, rig moves, platform and Floating Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) unit tows, emergency response and firefighting. Crowley subsidiary, Jensen Maritime Consultants played a key role assisting Crowley veteran Ed Schlueter and a cross functional team in the design of this new class of vessel. The new tugs will be designated the Ocean Class, with the first two named OCEAN WAVE and OCEAN WIND. They will be constructed at Bollinger Marine Fabricators LLC in Amelia, Louisiana, with deliveries scheduled for the third quarter of 2011 and the first quarter of 2012 respectively.


Olympia Port Commission
schedules meeting in Rainier

OLYMPIA — The Port of Olympia Commission has scheduled its regular meeting of February 22, 2010, at 6:00 p.m. at Rainier City Hall, 102 Rochester Street, in Rainier. The Calendar includes a resolution to support the restoration of Amtrak’s Pioneer Train and an advisory on the port’s 2010 goals. The complete agenda is available at http://www.portolympia.com/commission/agenda .


Carnival announces plans
to build two new cruise ships

MIAMI — Carnival Corporation & plc has signed a memorandum of agreement with Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri for the construction of two 3,600-passenger cruise ships for its Princess Cruises brand. The agreement is subject to execution of a definitive contract, financing and other customary closing conditions. The new ships - which will have an all-in cost of approximately euro 155,000 per lower berth - are scheduled to enter service in spring 2013 and spring 2014. At 139,000 tons each, the as-yet-unnamed ships will be the largest in the Princess Cruises fleet. Additional details will be announced at a later date.


Schnitzer Steel reports
fourth quarter numbers

PORTLAND — Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. has reported revenues of $556 million and net income of $10 million, or $0.36 per diluted share, for the fiscal fourth quarter ended August 31, 2009. During the quarter the company generated $46 million in cash from operations, bringing the total cash from operations for the fiscal year to $288 million.


NEWS BULLETIN
Monday, February 15, 2010

Port of Bellingham inks Addendum
for The Waterfront District project

BELLINGHAM — The Port of Bellingham has released the Addendum to the Environmental Impact Statement (Addendum) for The Waterfront District. The Addendum is the third round of environmental review for the proposed waterfront redevelopment and represents an analysis of some key areas that required additional study. The Addendum, as well as the earlier environmental analysis documents, can be found on the Port of Bellingham's website. In January 2008, the port released a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the entire project, which analyzed four development alternatives. The alternatives varied primarily by development density. It was over 1,300 pages long and provided a detailed analysis of 13 elements of the environment for all four alternatives over a 20 year and beyond time period. The Addendum includes analysis of the traffic impacts from the new road grid with the anticipation of a significant shift away from single-occupancy vehicles to alternative transportation. It also includes detailed economic and architectural analysis of the feasibility of re-using remaining structures and of retaining some industrial icons. The Addendum also features view analysis of one intersection that was impacted by the new road grid. The Addendum is available for a comment period continuing until March 10. There will be a formal public hearing at 7 p.m., Wednesday, March 3, at the Bellingham Cruise Terminal, 355 Harris Avenue. Written comments may be submitted to the SEPA Responsible Official at the Port of Bellingham P.O. Box 1677 Bellingham, WA 98227-1677 or by email to sepaofficial@portofbellingham.com.


Neptune Orient Lines
releases 2009 numbers

SINGAPORE — Global container shipping, terminals and logistics group Neptune Orient Lines (NOL) has announced a net loss of US$741 million for 2009, compared with a net profit of US$83 million for 2008. For the fourth quarter of 2009 (4Q09), NOL recorded a net loss of US$211 million, compared to a net loss of US$149 million for the fourth quarter of 2008 (4Q08). At the Core EBIT level NOL posted a loss of US$651 million for 2009, compared to a profit of US$213 million for 2008. Core EBIT for 4Q09 was a loss of US$183 million, compared with a Core EBIT loss of US$45 million for the corresponding period in 2008. Revenue for 2009 was down year-on-year by 30 percent to US$6.5 billion. Overall volumes carried by NOL’s Container Shipping business, APL, for 2009 declined year-on-year by seven percent to 2.3 million FEU (forty-foot equivalent unit). For 4Q09, volumes increased by 28 percent to 733,000 FEU compared to 4Q08, with the improvement due to higher volumes lifted in all major trade lanes. Average revenue per FEU decreased by 25 percent and 28 percent for 2009 and 4Q09 respectively, due to lower core freight rates and lower bunker fuel cost recovery as well as changes in trade mix. APL achieved an average vessel utilization rate of 89 percent across 2009, and 93 percent for 4Q09. Overall revenue for APL for 2009 was US$5.5 billion, down year-on-year by 31 percent. 4Q09 revenue of US$1.7 billion was 14 percent lower than 4Q08.


BNSF shareholders back
Berkshire Hathaway deal

FORT WORTH, TX — Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corporation shareholders have voted overwhelmingly in favor of the company's acquisition by Berkshire Hathaway Inc. In all, preliminary results show that approximately 70 percent of BNSF issued and outstanding shares not owned by Berkshire or its affiliates were voted in favor of the transaction, above the 66-2/3 percent required. Additionally, holders of at least a majority of the issued and outstanding shares of BNSF voted in favor. Both of these votes were required under Delaware law to adopt the merger agreement and were reported at a shareholder meeting held at BNSF headquarters in Fort Worth. Representatives of Innisfree M&A Incorporated tabulated the votes and acted as independent inspectors. The merger closed on February 12.


OOCL set to implement
general rate increase in April

HONG KONG — OOCL reports that ocean freight rates continue to be below the required level to cover basic operating costs or transportation costs. Considering that the current levels are unsustainable for the long term, OOCL will implement a General Rate Increase with effect from April 1, 2010. Ocean rates for cargo loading or discharging at USA or Mexican ports will be increased as follows: April 1st 2010: $400 per 20’ container and $500 per 40’ container. Ocean rates for cargo loading or discharging at Montreal will be increased as follows: April 1st 2010: $320 per 20’ container and $400 per 40’ container. Further rate restorations to be applied during 2010 will be announced in due course.


NYK makes Top 100 list
for fourth straight year

TOKYO — For the fourth consecutive year, NYK has been selected as one of the Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations in the World (the Global 100). The 2010 Global 100 was announced on January 27, 2010, at the World Economic Forum annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland. Of the 3,000 candidate corporations from 23 countries around the world, 100 companies were selected, including five Japanese companies, one each from the automobile, insurance, precision equipment, services, and maritime transport industry. NYK was ranked 19th among all candidates and second among Japanese companies. Launched in 2005, the Global 100 was compiled through 2009 by Corporate Knights and Innovest Strategic Value Advisors. During that time, the list was determined by analyzing extra-financial drivers of risk and shareholder value, including companies’ performance on social, environmental, and strategic governance issues.


NEWS BULLETIN
Friday, February 12, 2010

Chrysler automobile shipment
rolls through Port of Grays Harbor

ABERDEEN, WA — Hundreds of brand new Chrysler automobiles were washed, wrapped and loaded aboard the roll-on/roll-off vessel M/V POSITIVE PASSION last month, as officials gathered to mark the beginning of a relationship that will secure the Pacific Northwest’s position in the export of Chrysler automobiles. The Pasha Group, a diversified global transportation services and logistics company headquartered in Corte Madera, California, announced in December that the Chrysler Group LLC had selected their automotive facilities at the Port of Grays Harbor in Aberdeen, Washington, to support their export vehicle requirements from the Pacific Northwest to selected destinations in Asia. This January shipment marks the beginning of monthly shipments through Grays Harbor. The Port of Grays Harbor is Washington’s only deep-water port located directly on the Pacific Coast and is a central Pacific Northwest location, with strong transportation connections. The Union Pacific Railroad, with key inland auto ramps, makes direct calls to the terminal with Chrysler product. Railcars and accessorial equipment are available on terminal for inland backhaul.


Seattle Port Board Oks
Alaskan Way Viaduct project

SEATTLE — The Port of Seattle Commission has voted to approve a memorandum of agreement with the Washington State Department of Transportation, outlining the port’s participation in the Alaskan Way Viaduct and Seawall Replacement Program. The Alaskan Way Viaduct is one of only three north-south corridors for the Puget Sound region and its replacement must be able to move goods and travelers efficiently through port facilities. This vote is an important step forward for the program. The vote comes at a time when the port is tightening its belt. In 2009, the port eliminated over six percent of its workforce and eliminated programs that are not essential to creating jobs and economic growth. Faced with significant future demands for environmental and transportation projects, the commission established a new policy for how tax dollars are used. In the future, seaport capital investments should be funded with seaport revenues, not levy funds – freeing up tax dollars for projects like the Lower Duwamish Waterway cleanup, the port’s ongoing air and water quality programs, and transportation improvements that support freight mobility. Per the agreement, the port’s contribution will not exceed $300 million. The port has already invested in projects along the SR 99 corridor, such as the East Marginal Way Grade Separation and Phase 2 of SR 519. The memorandum of agreement includes a credit of $25 million for those and other projects that are complementary to the Alaskan Way Viaduct replacement.


Moses Lake City Council
asks for rail project funding

MOSES LAKE, WA — At a recent meeting, the Moses Lake City Council unanimously approved sending letters to lawmakers requesting federal funding to purchase a segment (Segment 4) of the Columbia Basin Railroad line that runs through the City of Moses Lake. As part of the Northern Columbia Basin Railroad Project, Segment 4 is slated to be vacated once a new bypass segment (Segment 1) northeast of Moses Lake is built. In particular, the Port of Moses Lake eventually plans to construct Segment 1 which would detour around the city between Wheeler and Parker Horn and would be used to haul cargo to and from companies located near the Grant County International Airport, such as Moses Lake Industries, a high-tech chemical company which exports products all over the world. The City of Moses Lake plans to send letters requesting funding for Segment 4 to U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., U.S. Senator Patty Murray, D-Wash., and U.S. Representative Doc Hastings, R-Wash. The Northern Columbia Basin Railroad Project is a critical economic development and freight mobility project in Washington State that will have the following positive benefits to the region. It will extend and enhance railroad access to vital industries in the Northern Columbia Basin area. Also under the project, a new rail segment (Segment 2) would be constructed to extend rail service to the Industrial Park on the east side of the Grant County International Airport. A new rail segment (Segment 1) would also be constructed from the Grant County International Airport to Wheeler (near I-90). An existing rail segment (Segment 3) would be refurbished and improved. It will greatly improve freight mobility and economic development opportunities in the Northern Columbia Basin area, and will eliminate at least 12 at-grade rail crossings within the City of Moses Lake, and open up water front property for trails and other tourism developments. An existing rail segment (Segment 4) would be converted into a trail.


US rail freight traffic
sluggish at start of new year

WASHINGTON, DC — The Association of American Railroads reports that freight rail traffic is off to a slow start in 2010 with U.S. railroads originating 236,796 carloads for the week ending Jan. 9, 2010, down 12.4 percent compared with the same week in 2009 and down 28 percent from the same week in 2008. In order to offer a complete picture of the progress in rail traffic, AAR will now be reporting 2010 weekly rail traffic with year-over-year comparisons for both 2009 and 2008. In the Western U.S., carloads were down 12.7 percent compared with the same week last year, and 20.3 percent compared with 2008. In the East, carloads were down 12 percent compared with 2009, and down 11.9 percent compared with the same week in 2008. Intermodal traffic totaled 196,788 trailers and containers, down 3.6 percent from a year ago, but down 17.4 percent from 2008. Compared with the same week in 2009, container volume fell 2.3 percent and trailer volume dropped 9.8 percent. Compared with the same week in 2008, container volume fell 11.9 percent and trailer volume dropped 38.2 percent. Eleven of the 19 carload freight commodity groups were up in comparison with the same week last year, 6 of those posting double digit increases. Increases in commodity groups ranged from 5.5 percent for lumber and wood products to 94 percent for metallic ores. Declines in commodity groups ranged from 36.6 percent for crushed sand, stone and gravel to .1 percent for the catch-all category labeled "all other carloads." Total volume on U.S. railroads for the week ending Jan. 9, 2009 was estimated at 25.5 billion ton-miles, down 12.4 percent compared with the same week last year and down 25.9 percent from 2008.


Norfolk Southern supports
business expansion during 2009

NORFOLK, VA — Norfolk Southern Corporation reports it participated in the location of 70 new industries and the expansion of 23 existing industries along its rail lines in 2009. New plants and expansions represented an investment of more than $3.1 billion by Norfolk Southern customers and are expected to create 3,000 jobs in the railroad's territory, eventually generating more than 138,500 carloads of new rail traffic annually. Norfolk Southern assisted state and local government and economic development officials throughout 19 states in helping customers identify ideal locations for new and expanded facilities. The balance of other projects secured during 2009 was distributed among several of the broad product areas Norfolk Southern serves.


NEWS BULLETIN
Thursday, February 11, 2010

Moody's holds line on
Port of Tacoma bond ratings

TACOMA — In the face of a deep recession that has prompted plunging cargo volumes and financial losses throughout the shipping industry, Moody’s Investor Service announced Friday that the Port of Tacoma has maintained its bond ratings. Moody's maintained Aa3 and A1 ratings on the Port of Tacoma's Senior and Subordinate Revenue bonds, respectively, and an Aa3 on its General Obligation Limited Tax bonds. “The outlook is stable,” the rating agency’s Feb. 5 report affirmed. The annual report calls out the port’s “stable revenue from long-term contracts, its important market position in the Pacific Northwest and the expectation of continued strong financial performance.”


Port of Seattle names new
Workplace Responsibility Officer

SEATTLE — Port of Seattle CEO Tay Yoshitani has welcomed a new member to the port’s executive team: Workplace Responsibility Officer Vickie Rawlins. Ms. Rawlins joins the port after many years of experience developing and implementing workplace ethics and compliance programs. She will oversee the rollout of the port’s recently developed Workplace Responsibility Program. Prior to joining the port, Ms. Rawlins served as the founding director of the Washington Office of the Ombudsman, which provides independent compliance oversight of state agencies. She practiced employment law for several years. Rawlins has participated in the Business Ethics Initiative at Seattle University’s Albers School of Business and Economics. Ms. Rawlins will lead and facilitate the implementation of the port’s compliance program, and will serve as the point of contact for all employees for issues relating to ethics and compliance.


Bellingham Port Commissioners
discuss environmental cleanup funding

BELLINGHAH — The Port of Bellingham's Board of Commissioners recently met with elected officials from the 40th District and 42nd District to explain the importance of local environmental cleanup funding. Taking part in the Washington Public Port Association's annual Port's Day, the Bellingham Commissioners spent a full day in Olympia last week. Their primary purpose was to talk with legislators about the state's Model Toxic Control Act (MTCA) cleanup fund. This fund was created through a voter-approved measure more than 20 years ago that taxes hazardous substances - primarily oil imports - and uses the money to pay for environmental cleanup projects, both directly and through grants to local governments.The state Department of Ecology has pledged to provide grants to pay for up to 50 percent of the Whatcom Waterway and other Bellingham Bay cleanup projects in partnership with the Port of Bellingham. During the cleanup planning phases of the Whatcom Waterway and Bellingham Bay cleanup projects, the Port of Bellingham has received the 50 percent funding from Ecology. In the next several years, the port anticipates beginning the actual in-water cleanup efforts and this will require a much greater amount of Ecology funding in the next two biennium budgets.


Boeing taps former trade rep.
for seat on Board of Directors

CHICAGO — The Boeing board of directors has elected former U.S. Trade Representative Susan Schwab as its newest member. Ms. Schwab, 54, was President George W. Bush's principal trade advisor and negotiator from mid-2006 through the end of the Bush administration in January, 2009. Since then she has taught at the University of Maryland's School of Public Policy. Her election to the board is effective immediately. She will serve on the audit and finance committees. During her government career Ms. Schwab was also a deputy U.S. trade representative, an assistant secretary of commerce, director general of the U.S. & Foreign Commercial Service, and a trade policy specialist and legislative director for former U.S. Sen. John Danforth of Missouri.


Wendy MacDonald named
Crowley VP for procurement

JACKSONVILLE, FL — Crowley Maritime Corporation has announced that Wendy MacDonald has been promoted to vice president of procurement, replacing Matt Jackson who has been named vice president, Caribbean island services. Ms. MacDonald will remain domiciled in Jacksonville and report to Susan Rodgers, Crowley's senior vice president of corporate services. Ms. MacDonald is responsible for all materials management and purchasing for the corporation. She also oversees facilities development and travel. Ms. MacDonald joined Crowley in 1992 as a management trainee and has held various positions within the company's container shipping organization, including manager of freight services for the Puerto Rico/Caribbean services group, manager of pricing for the Latin America services group, and most recently director of inland operations. Ms. MacDonald has a bachelor's degree in business administration with a focus on marine transportation and intermodalism from California Maritime Academy.


NEWS BULLETIN
Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Bellingham waterfront group
holding public information session

BELLINGHAM — The Port of Bellingham's community-led Waterfront Advisory Group will host a special public information session focused on the role of environmental impact analysis in the waterfront redevelopment process. The public information session will begin at 7:30 p.m. today, at the Bellingham Cruise Terminal, 355 Harris Avenue. It will follow the regular Waterfront Advisory Group meeting, which will begin at 7 p.m. in the same location. At this information session, port and city staff will explain the purpose of the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) and the process of reviewing potential environmental impacts for a project. They also will discuss the difference between an environmental impact statement and a master plan. In the context of the Bellingham waterfront redevelopment project, the staff will show the progression of the first environmental analysis issued in 2008 to the latest environmental analysis, the Environmental Impact Statement Addendum for the Waterfront District Redevelopment Project, which was released for public review this week. This special public information session is designed to educate the community about the process for the environmental analysis and to explain how people can provide their comments on the latest document. This is not a public hearing on the port's recent Addendum to the Environmental Impact Statement for The Waterfront District, and there will be no public comment about the Addendum taken at this meeting. There will be a public hearing on the Addendum at 7 p.m., March 3, at the Bellingham Cruise Terminal. Additional information about the Addendum can be found on the Port of Bellingham's website: www.portofbellingham.com


Port of Seattle testing
new plastic fender pilings

SEATTLE — The Port of Seattle is replacing fender piling at the Maritime Industrial Center’s (MIC) east pier with plastic piling. Part of a pilot program, the new low-maintenance pilings are made of recycled materials that are impervious to marine borers, and resistant to corrosion. American Construction Company of Tacoma is driving these innovative plastic and fiberglass fender piles into the ship canal, replacing the aging creosote treated wood piles currently there. Once driven as much as 20 feet into the ground, the pilings will be connected to the dock. These piles will act as a buffer between a ship or barge and the wooden docks, protecting and lengthening the useful life of the dock. Since these composite pilings are relatively new technology, the Port of Seattle is leading the way in the Puget Sound to test what could to be a clean, green product that will help protect the Ship Canal and the fish that either live there or pass through en route to their spawning habitat.


Port of Port Angeles
to boost marketing effort

PORT ANGELES — The Commission of the Port of Port Angeles has had a stronger marketing effort on their radar for quite some time. Their 2009 - 2013 Strategic Plan and 2010 Budget address and fund the goal of marketing the port’s assets to bring jobs to Clallam County. The port’s new marketing program will involve collaborating with local agencies and stakeholders to market Clallam County in its entirety. By taking this global approach and bringing the county, cities, Economic Development Council and chambers of commerce together, the port feels the whole region will benefit. To bring the marketing program to life, the port included in its 2010 budget an additional staff member. The Marketing and Property Manager position was actively advertised on their website along with local newspapers and in the port community. Thirty one applications were received and four candidates were selected for interviews. The port selected Patrick Deja to fill the position of Marketing and Property manager. Mr. Deja has 30 years of marketing and property management experience as well as strong contacts both locally and regionally within the port industry.


Boeing holds test flight
of new 747-8 Freighter

EVERETT — The Boeing 747-8 Freighter successfully took to the sky for the first time February 8, before more than 5,000 employees, customers, suppliers and community leaders. The flight begins a test program for the world's most efficient freighter. With 747 Chief Pilot Mark Feuerstein and Capt. Tom Imrich in the flight deck, the newest member of the 747 family took off at 12:39 p.m. local time from Paine Field in Everett and landed at Paine Field at 4:18 p.m. The flight was the first of more than 1,600 flight hours in the test program for the newest member of the Boeing freighter family. The airplane followed a route over Western Washington, where it underwent tests for basic handling qualities and engine performance. The airplane reached a cruising altitude of 17,000 feet (5,181 m) and a speed of up to 230 knots, or about 264 miles (426 km) per hour.


Crowley making management changes
in Puerto Rico/Caribbean services group

JACKSONVILLE, FL — Crowley's Puerto Rico/Caribbean liner services group has announced two management appointments - Rudy Leming to vice president, marine & terminal operations, and Matt Jackson to vice president, Caribbean Island services. Both will report to John Douglass, senior vice president and general manager, and remain domiciled in Jacksonville. In filling a newly created position, Mr. Leming, who previously served as vice president, Caribbean Island services will be responsible for terminal operations and maintenance at Crowley's Jacksonville, Fla., and Pennsauken, N.J., facilities; and marine operations and freight services for the company's Puerto Rico and Caribbean trades. Mr. Jackson, who previously served as vice president of procurement, will have profit and loss responsibilities for Crowley's Bahamas and Caribbean island services, including sales and operations at the company's St. Thomas terminal and at other locations where Crowley has agency representation.


NEWS BULLETIN
Monday, February 8, 2010

Alastair Smith named
Port Shipping Club's 'Old Salt'

PORTLAND — The Portland Shipping Club has announced that Alastair Smith of the Port of Vancouver, USA is the recipient of the 2010 Old Salt Award. Mr. Smith has more than 35 years of maritime experience from practical shipboard work to marine terminal operations. He graduated from Dumbarton Academy in Scotland in 1972 and served a four-year apprenticeship with Anchor Line in Glasgow, Scotland. He also attended Glasgow College of Nautical Studies and sailed for three years as third officer in the navigation department for Anchor Line and Fred Olsen Company, spending a total of six years at sea. In December, 1979, Mr. moved to the United States as operations assistant in Star Shipping’s San Francisco office. Over the next 23 years, he worked at Star Shipping in various capacities. In February, 2003, Mr. Smith joined the Port of Vancouver, USA in the position of director of marketing and operations. He was subsequently promoted to senior director of marketing and operations in January 2005. The "Old Salt" Award is presented each year to someone who, through their longevity and service, has advanced the Columbia River maritime industry. Mr. Smith will be honored at the Propeller Club/Portland Shipping Club Winter Event on February 18, 2010.


Port of Seattle CEO
participates in 'Port Summit'

SEATTLE — Port of Seattle CEO Tay Yoshitani addressed port directors from across the nation at a “ports summit” held in San Diego last week. U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood called the meeting, marking the first time someone in that post has met jointly with the leaders of the country’s major seaports. Joining Mr. Yoshitani were his colleagues from the other major West Coast ports. The six port directors are working together to market the West Coast as the best gateway for trade. Mr. Yoshitani participated in a panel discussion on the urgent need to invest in port and transportation infrastructure, noting that ports must be able to operate safely and efficiently in order to compete for cargo and the jobs that cargo creates. Last week also provided good news regarding the country’s focus on increasing exports. U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke announced the National Export Initiative, a government-wide promotion strategy designed to focus U.S. efforts to increase the number of American products going to markets abroad. Exports through the Port of Seattle grew nearly six percent in 2009. Washington apples, potatoes, cherries, and chicken crossed port docks on the way to family tables across the world. Washington’s strong export performance is expected to help the region’s economy recover from the recent downturn.


OOCL announces plans
for general rate increase

HONG KONG — Considering that the current levels are unsustainable for the long term, OOCL reports it will implement a General Rate Increase with effect from April 1, 2010. The increases are required in order to maintain a viable service level and a comprehensive liner network. Ocean rates for cargo loading or discharging at USA or Mexican ports will be increased as follows: April 1st 2010: $400 per 20’ container and $500 per 40’ container. Ocean rates for cargo loading or discharging at Montreal will be increased as follows: April 1st 2010: $320 per 20’ container and $400 per 40’ container. Further rate restorations to be applied during 2010 will be announced in due course.


Lynden Port of Entry
now open longer hours

LYNDEN, WA — U.S. Customs and Border Protection is announcing a temporary expansion of the hours of operation at the Lynden port of entry. Through February 28, southbound traffic lanes will open at 5 a.m. daily for both passenger and commercial traffic into the United States. This is three hours earlier than the normal 8 a.m. opening time. Regular hours of operation at the Lynden port of entry are 8 a.m. until midnight; CBP will return to those hours beginning Monday February 29. The port will continue to close at midnight during the temporary early opening dates. All travelers are reminded that the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) was implemented on June 1, 2009 and requires U.S. and Canadian citizens age 16 and older to present a valid, acceptable document that denotes both identity and citizenship when entering the U.S. by land or sea. WHTI approved travel documents include a passport, U. S. passport card, enhanced driver’s license (now produced by the states of Michigan, New York, Vermont and Washington, and the Provinces of British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec) or a Trusted Traveler Program card such as NEXUS, SENTRI and FAST. For more information, visit the GetYouHome Web site. ( GetYouHome.gov )


BNSF Railway upgrades
reduce transit schedules

FORT WORTH, TX — BNSF Railway Company (BNSF) has announced that it has reduced transit schedules on 60 percent of its Domestic Intermodal Premium Container traffic, and added 16 more days of service. One of the changes includes reducing transit time by 7 to 10 hours on BNSF's premier Transcontinental route between Los Angeles/San Bernardino and Chicago, giving customers a morning availability and allowing for same day delivery. BNSF also reduced transit time between Memphis and Los Angeles by 4 to 6 hours, and increased Houston, inbound and outbound day-of-week frequency, along with several other changes that can be found at www.bnsf.com. These enhancements build on the 77 service changes BNSF made to its Domestic Intermodal service in 2009, reducing transit schedules by 300 hours and adding 32 days of additional frequency.


NEWS BULLETIN
Friday, February 5, 2010

Economic development discussed
at Port of Vancouver, USA breakfast

VANCOUVER, USA — Economic development is happening, on the ground now at the Port of Vancouver USA, which was the big news at Thursday’s Port Re:Port, the annual State of the Port Address at the Red Lion Hotel Vancouver at the Quay. In his State of the Port Address, Executive Director Larry Paulson said there is evidence of the types of economic development and jobs currently happening at the port – which calls itself the “Port of Possibility” – happening all over the port, even as he addressed a sold-out audience. He offered construction of port projects as evidence of delivering possibilities. Mr. Paulson cited more than 100 construction jobs at the port’s new Terminal 5 – where a unit train rail loop is being built – another 10-15 workers installing fencing and utilities; deconstruction of buildings on the former Rufener Farm that makes up another 15-20 jobs, and a number of other jobs as a result of projects on or near the port. Mr. Paulson and Port Commission President Jerry Oliver, who earlier presented the commission’s perspective of the port’s status, talked about a light at the end of the tunnel – marking the end of the recession, and stated that the port is prepared to be a leader in the community’s recovery. Mr. Paulson also reported that, because of its two massive mobile harbor cranes, the Port of Vancouver has attracted additional new project cargo and generated jobs. He also reported that the port expects to see continued growth in heavy lift and wind energy cargos in 2010, and that the port is exploring new options for bulk exports. Wheat should continue to be solid for the coming year and Subaru is consistently stable in its import of vehicles.


Port Metro Vancouver
inks 2009 cargo statistics

VANCOUVER, BC — Port Metro Vancouver’s 2009 year-end cargo statistics report growth in grain, specialty crops and petroleum products, a modest increase in export laden container volume, and a decrease in total container count. The port’s overall volume of 101.9 million metric tonnes was down 11 percent compared to 2008. Despite overall tonnage declines, some positive trends emerged in 2009. Total foreign exports were flat on the year, though Asia, led by China, emerged as a major factor in volume growth for bulk exports. While the recession had a mostly negative impact on international trade, the positive economic growth in China and India, along with stability in South Korea, translated into strong increases in exports of Canadian commodities to these trading partners through the port. On another positive note, volume decreases experienced during the first half of 2009 inched toward recovery in the third and fourth quarters, foreshadowing possible gains for 2010. Overall container volume for Port Metro Vancouver decreased nearly 14 percent, for 2.2 million TEUs (twenty-foot-equivalent unit) on the year. Cruise passenger volumes increased five percent in 2009 to 898,473 revenue passengers over 256 voyages through Port Metro Vancouver.


Federal Maritime Commission
announces reorganization

WASHINGTON, DC — Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) Chairman Richard A. Lidinsky, Jr., has announced a reorganization of the commission that became effective January 31, 2010. The new organization establishes a managing director to ensure that the FMC's major offices are cohesively directed toward achieving fair and efficient ocean transportation that helps improve the nation's economy. The reorganization also gives heightened priority to the role of the commission's Office of Consumer Affairs & Dispute Resolution Services (CADRS), which assists exporters and other consumers and works with the public and ocean transportation industry to mediate disputes without costly lawsuits. Under the reorganization, the commission restores the position of managing director, returning to a structure familiar to the regulated maritime industry that worked effectively for much of the commission's nearly 50 year existence. The managing director will serve as the commission's senior executive responsible for the management and coordination of the commission's operating bureaus, exercising administrative direction or guidance over all units of the commission. In addition to the major operating bureaus (Certification and Licensing, Enforcement, and Trade Analysis), the managing director oversees the commission's area representatives and all administrative offices. The commission also is establishing CADRS as an independent office reporting directly to the chairman. With this change, the commission places greater emphasis on its role in assisting consumers, resolving disputes that impede the efficiency of ocean transportation, and assisting parties in avoiding lengthy and costly litigation.


Rail freight traffic picture
comes in mixed for week

WASHINGTON, DC — The Association of American Railroads reports that freight rail traffic posted mixed results for the holiday week ending Jan. 2, 2010 with intermodal volume showing an increase, but carloadings remaining down in comparison to 2008. U.S. railroads reported originating 227,327 carloads, down 1.5 percent compared with the same week in 2008 and down 17.9 percent from the same week in 2007. In order to offer a complete picture of the progress in rail traffic, AAR will now be reporting 2009 weekly rail traffic with year over year comparisons for both 2008 and 2007. In the Western U.S., carloads were down 5.8 percent compared with the same week last year, and 18.9 percent compared with 2007. In the East, carloads were up 6.8 percent compared with 2008, and down 16.3 percent compared with the same week in 2007. Intermodal traffic totaled 149,128 trailers and containers, up 1.8 percent from a year ago, but down 9 percent from 2007. Compared with the same week in 2008, container volume rose 8.4 percent and trailer volume dropped 25.4 percent. Compared with the same week in 2007, container volume fell 1.8 percent and trailer volume dropped 36.6 percent.


New fisheries survey vessel
now part of NOAA fleet

WASHINGTON, DC — NOAA has taken delivery of BELL M. SHIMADA, the agency’s newest high-tech fisheries survey vessel. BELL M. SHIMADA’s primary mission will be to study, monitor and collect data on a wide range of sea life and ocean conditions, primarily in U.S. waters from Washington state to southern California. The ship will also observe environmental conditions, conduct habitat assessments and survey marine mammal, sea turtle and marine bird populations. The vessel is the fourth of a new class of ships designed to meet the NOAA Fisheries Service’s specific data collection requirements and the International Council for Exploration of the Seas’ new standards for a low acoustic signature. Launched in September 2008, the 208-ft. Bell M. Shimada was built for NOAA by VT Halter Marine Inc., in Moss Point, Miss., as part of the NOAA’s fleet replacement strategy to provide world-class platforms for U.S. scientists.


NEWS BULLETIN
Thursday, February 4, 2010

USITC schedules
public hearing for Portland

WASHINGTON, DC — The United States International Trade Commission (USITC) will hold a public hearing in Portland, Oregon, in connection with two ongoing investigations into the extent and composition of U.S. exports by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and factors that may disproportionately impede U.S. SME exports. The hearing will take place at 9:30 a.m. on Friday, March 12, 2010, at the Holiday Inn Portland Airport, 8439 N. E. Columbia Blvd. The hearing is being held to gather factual information for use by the Commission in preparing two reports for the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), who is the President's cabinet-level official concerning international trade matters. In requesting the reports, the USTR expressly asked the USITC to gather information for these reports directly from SME exporters and SMEs with an interest in exporting. Given that many SMEs do not have the resources to travel to Washington, the USITC Commissioners decided to hold two regional public hearings to supplement the extensive staff field work, the Washington, DC, public hearing, and other investigative activities that these investigations will involve. In addition to the hearing in Portland, the Commission will hold a hearing in St. Louis, MO, on Wednesday, March 10, 2010. The two investigations that are the subject of the hearing are Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises: U.S. and EU Export Activities, and Barriers and Opportunities Experienced By U.S. Firms (Inv. No. 332-509) and Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises: Characteristics and Performance (Inv. No. 332- 510). Detailed information on these investigations can be found on the USITC web site at http://www.usitc.gov/press_room/field_hearing.htm.


Port of Bremerton hires
marketing/communications boss

BREMERTON — The Port of Bremerton has announced the hiring of Chris Case as Marketing and Communications manager. Ms. Case will be leaving her post as director of communications for the North Kitsap School District to accept her new post with the Port of Bremerton. Other positions that Ms. Case has held include editor of the North Kitsap Herald, communications director for the Seattle School District under former superintendent John Stanford and account supervisor with the advertising firm of Backer & Spielvogel, in Chicago. Ms. Case has won numerous national and state awards for her marketing, advertising, and public relations work. She will begin her new position with the port around March 1.


Hanjin plans to take over
APM terminals in Kaohsiung

SEOUL — Hanjin Pacific Corporation (HPC), a terminal subsidiary of Hanjin Shipping, and APM Terminals, the independent port operating division of the A.P. Moller-Maersk Group, have announced they have entered into an agreement in which Hanjin Pacific will take over APM Terminals facilities at Piers 76 and 77 in Kaohsiung and combine them into Hanjin’s current operations at Pier 78. To ensure the smooth transition, with no disruptions to service, the two companies will cooperate for three months. On May 7, 2010, Hanjin will take over the management and operations of the consolidated facilities. Financial details on the transaction were not made public. The move has been approved by the Kaohsiung Harbor Bureau (KHB) and is in line with its Port Master Plan to integrate container terminal operations at Kaohsiung.


US, Canada joining forces
for Olympic Games security

SEATTLE — The Coast Guard, in partnership with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Federal Border Integrity Program, will launch the Olympic Shiprider pilot program in waters off the Pacific Northwest coast to enhance security operations during the 2010 Winter Games. The Shiprider program will permit the U.S. and Canada to conduct cross-border integrated law enforcement operations in shared waterways during the Olympics. Marine law enforcement vessels will be jointly crewed by specially trained and designated U.S. and Canadian law enforcement officers authorized to enforce the law on both sides of the international maritime boundary, while respecting the sovereignty of both nations.


Titan Salvage teams
refloat grounded tanker

POMPANO BEACH, FL — TITAN Salvage safely refloated the MONONGAHELA, a decommissioned tanker ship on the James River in Virginia last week. The salvage team, led by Capt. Guy Wood, executed several test pulls on the tanker before the successful refloating to verify the holding power of the anchors being used and to help with the determination of refloating calculations. The three pullers were secured to the MONONGAHELA's flight deck with 1,900 feet of 76 millimeters K4 anchor chain run from each puller to plate anchors previously installed in the James River by the U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD). The K4 chain is one grade above the Oil Rig Quality (ORQ) chain and is the highest grade of chain available, with regard to breaking strength. The MONONGAHELA, which is part of the James River Reserve Fleet (JRRF), was affected by a severe storm and unusually high water surges on the James River on Nov. 12 when it broke loose from its moorings and was wind driven aground on soft soil, approximately one-half mile downstream of the JRRF near the western bank of the river.


NEWS BULLETIN
Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Port of Everett nets Ok
for liveaboards at Yacht Basin

EVERETT — The Port of Everett has received approval from the City of Everett to allow liveaboards at its 12th Street Yacht Basin. The 220-slip, state-of-the-art marina facility is equipped with moorage slips ranging from 40 to 70 feet, with end ties up to 143 feet. Per port policy, the number of liveaboards for the port’s marina facilities is capped at 10 percent of the marina slips. The port’s marina, which is the largest public marina on the West Coast, has more than 2,100 slips in addition to guest moorage. More information about the port’s 12th Street Yacht Basin can be found at www.portofeverett.com.


Coast Guard shutting down
Quincy, Washington LORAN station

ASTORIA — Coast Guard Long Range Navigation (LORAN) Station George located in Quincy, Wash., has ceased transmission of its U.S. signal after 33 years of service. The five members of LORAN Station George conducted a short ceremony, Monday, out of respect to the Coast Guard members who have served at the station throughout its history prior to shutting down the antenna's signal at noon. At least one member of the LORAN station's original crew attended the ceremony. Due to international agreements, the station will continue to broadcast to Canada until the unit's expected complete shutdown later this year. Coast Guard LORAN Station George was built in 1976 by Coleman Construction Company of Spokane, Wash. The station began transmitting its prescribed signals Sept. 19, 1976, and became one of the most powerful transmitting sites for its frequency band. The LORAN Station is one of several throughout the United States authorized by Congress during the 1960's to operate as a network of navigation stations known as LORAN-C. LORAN-C is capable of providing accurate position fixing within one-quarter mile and has been used by civilian and military vessels and aircraft for navigation and search and rescue.


CMA CGM to receive
$80 million in financing

MARSEILLE — The consortium of banks of CMA CGM has signed an agreement to release US$80 million in financing to the group. This financing is part of the overall Restructuring Plan whose negotiations are proceeding normally and which calls in particular for the grant of a US$500 million cash facility. This payment is made at a time when the group’s operations are continuing to show improvement month after month.


Navios Maritime Holdings
announces ship delivery, purchase

PIREAUS, GREECE — Navios Maritime Holdings Inc., a global, vertically integrated seaborne shipping and logistics company, has announced the delivery of a new build Capesize vessel and the agreement to acquire another new build Capesize vessel. The NAVIOS ANTARES, a 169,059 dwt Capesize vessel, was delivered to Navios Holdings' owned fleet on January 20, 2010 from a South Korean Shipyard. Navios Holdings has also agreed to acquire a new build Capesize vessel of 180,000 dwt, under construction with a South Korean Shipyard. The vessel is scheduled for delivery in the second quarter of 2011 and is secured by a 12-year charter to a quality counter party for $27,431 (net) daily rate. It is anticipated that this charter will generate annual EBITDA of $8.1 million and cumulative EBITDA of $92.6 million. The acquisition price for the vessel is nominally $55.5 million.


Portland Airport begins
customer service campaign

PORTLAND — There’s a new buzz in the air at Portland International Airport, not because of airplanes, but because of a new customer service initiative that launched among its 10,000 employees. The program, which includes a newly unveiled mantra, “Our Favorite Connection, You,” aims to clearly and deliberately step up the level of customer service, roadway to runway, provided to PDX passengers and guests. The new customer service campaign involves a recognition component driven by passengers. Each month, approximately 500 travelers and guests will receive a special card that they, in turn, can give to any airport employee who provides outstanding customer service to them personally. Promotional tables are placed throughout PDX and will include small tokens of appreciation for airport guests, as well as information about the various elements of the customer service initiative.


NEWS BULLETIN
Monday, February 1, 2010

Port of Seattle calls for comments
on Alaskan Way Viaduct project

SEATTLE — The Port of Seattle Commission has released a draft of its memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the State of Washington detailing its contribution to the proposed bored tunnel project that would replace the Alaskan Way Viaduct. Public testimony and comment are being sought by the commission prior to their vote. The memorandum spells out the port’s intent to make an investment in this program, which is not to exceed $300 million during construction of the Viaduct Replacement Program. The port’s contribution will be linked to improvements that promote freight mobility and access to port facilities. Freight, cruise, agriculture, daily commuters and neighborhoods depend on this vital traffic corridor every day, and the corridor is essential to our regional economy. The port commission is asking for public input before they make a decision on the MOA. There are several ways to comment over the next two weeks: E-mail comments to Viaduct MOA Comments
Mail comments must be received by close of business Monday, February 8, to:
Viaduct MOA Comments
Attn: Christine Lee, Regional Transportation
PO Box 1209
Seattle, WA 98111
Public testimony can be provided at two upcoming Commission meetings:
Tuesday, February 2, 1:00 p.m., (MOA item will come up around 2:30p.m.)Aviation High
School, 615 S. 200th St., Des Moines
Tuesday, February 9, 1:00 p.m., Port Headquarters, Pier 69, 2711 Alaskan Way
The commission is expected to make a decision on the MOA, following public comments, at their February 9th meeting.


Coast Guard responds to
sternwheeler grounded in Willamette

ASTORIA — The Coast Guard responded to the grounding of the the sternwheeler WILLAMETTE QUEEN near Oregon City,Ore., Sunday. The 87-foot riverboat was being escorted by two Coast Guard Auxiliary vessels when it ran aground with 80 passengers and eight crew on board at approximately 5:30 p.m. An MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew from Air Station Astoria, Ore., two Coast Guard 25-foot smallboat crews from Station Portland, Ore., and a tugboat from Newburg, Ore., were dispatched to the scene, while the two Auxiliary vessels stayed with the WILLAMETTE QUEEN. The tugboat successfully managed to free the vessel, and move it to Willamette Park in Portland. Coast Guard investigators from Sector Portland will inspect the damage. No injuries or serious damage to the vessel have been reported.


Trade between NAFTA partners
down during month of November

WASHINGTON, DC — Trade using surface transportation between the United States and its North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) partners Canada and Mexico was 2.9 percent lower in November 2009 than in November 2008, dropping to $58.9 billion, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) of the U.S. Department of Transportation. BTS, a part of the Research and Innovative Technology Administration, reported that the value of U.S. surface transportation trade with Canada and Mexico fell 4.0 percent in November 2009 from October 2009. Month-to-month changes can be affected by seasonal variations and other factors. Surface transportation consists largely of freight movements by truck, rail and pipeline. About 88 percent of U.S. trade by value with Canada and Mexico moves on land. The value of U.S. surface transportation trade with Canada and Mexico in November was up 5.0 percent compared to November 2004, and up 28.5 percent compared to November 1999, a period of 10 years. Imports in November were up 25.1 percent compared to November 1999, while exports were up 32.7 percent.


CKYH Alliance partners
plan slow steaming program

TOKYO — The CKYH Alliance reports it will be implementing slow steaming eastbound on the current Asia-Europe/Mediterranean loops. These measures are expected to increase eco-friendliness by reducing CO2 emission. The slow steaming services will be NE1, NE2, NE4 and MD2, with MD2 being the first to start slow steaming beginning from Dec, 2009 after passage through the Suez Canal on eastbound. The remaining NE3 and MD1 are planned to begin slow steaming during the first half of 2010, and adjusted service details are as follows ;
NE1 -- Rotation: Ningbo (Sat/Sun)-Shanghai (Sun/Mon)-Hong Kong (Wed/Thu)-Nansha (Thu/Fri)-Rotterdam (Wed/Fri)-Hamburg (Sat/Mon)-Felixtowe (Tue/Wed)-Antwerp(Wed/Thu)-Singapore (Sat/Sun)-Ningbo(Sat/Sun) Commencement Date: January 28th, 2010 (ETD Antwerp)
NE2 -- Rotation: Xiamen (Sun/Sun)-Kaohsiung (Mon/Tue)-Yantian (Wed/Wed)-Singapore (Sat/Sun)- Rotterdam (Tue/Thu)-Felixtowe (Fri/Sat)-Hamburg (Sun/Mon)-Antwerp (Tue/Wed)- Jeddah (Mon/Mon)-Hong Kong (Thu/Thu)-Yantian (Fri/Fri)-Xiamen (Sun/Sun) Commencement Date: January 27th, 2010 (ETD Antwerp Jan. 27, 2010)
NE4 -- Rotation: Kwangyang (Sat/Sun)-Pusan (Sun/Mon)-Ningbo (Tue/Wed)-Shanghai (Thu/Thu)-Singapore (Tue/Wed)-Hamburg (Fri/Sat)-Rotterdam (Sun/Tue)-Le Havre (Tue/Wed)-Port Said (Wed/Thu)-Singapore (Thu/Thu)-Hong Kong (Tue/Tue)-Kwanyang (Sat/Sun) Commencement Date: February 11th, 2010 (ETD Suez)
MD2 -- Rotation: Shanghai (Wed/Thu)-Ningbo (Thu/Fri)-Xiamen (Sun/Mon)-Kaohsiung (Mon/Tue)- Shekou (Wed/Thu)-Singapore (Sun/Mon)-Port Said (Thu/Fri)-Piraeus (Sat/Sun)-Genoa (Tue/Thu)-La Spezia (Fri/Sun)-Barcelona (Mon/Tue)-Valencia (Tue/Thu)-Port Said (Sun/Mon)-Singapore (Wed/Wed)-Shanghai (Wed/Thu) Commencement Date: December 7th, 2009 (ETD Suez)


Port of Tacoma sets
first bus tour of new year

TACOMA — How do clothes, electronics and toys get from ship to store shelves? Check out the first part of the journey during the Port of Tacoma’s first free bus tour of the year. The Feb. 11 guided tour will highlight how containers of consumer goods are unloaded from ships and put onto rail cars or trucks to head to market, creating some of the 43,000 local jobs related to port activity. Tour details:
Thursday, Feb. 11
10:30 a.m. to about noon
Begins and ends at the Fabulich Center, 3600 Port of Tacoma Rd.
Space is limited for this free tour, and reservations are required. Children age 6 and older are welcome. Photo identification is required for passengers 17 and older. Reserve your free seat for the tour by calling (253) 383-9463 or e-mailing bustours@portoftacoma.com.